Ricoh Updates Enhanced Locked Print NX

Printer maker Ricoh has updated its locked print security solution, Enhanced
Lock Print NX v1.3. The new version, which protects an organization's
confidential and proprietary information by allowing users to store, print and
manage confidential documents with the security of user authentication at a
multifunctional product, now adds the distribution and retrieval option of
FlexRelease Server.
ELP-NX helps an organization capture all
the benefits of shared, centralized MFPs without compromising document
security. With ELP-NX, users can protect
specific documents by selecting "locked print" from the print-driver menu,
while network administrators can set "locked print" as the default for
organizationwide document protection. ELP-NX
users enter their ID and password on the MFP at walk-up. This helps ensure
documents won't be released by another MFP user or left unattended in output
trays, where others can easily view sensitive information.

The FlexRelease Sever option builds on the FlexRelease technology first
introduced in Enhanced Locked Print EX, which allows users to send print jobs
to one MFP but securely release them on a secondary MFP. FlexRelease Server for
ELP-NX goes a step further, allowing
businesses to provide FlexRelease technology across their entire fleet of MFPs
and printers. Using a flexible print architecture that stores print jobs
centrally, businesses can approach any ELP-NX-enabled
MFP or printer to access and retrieve their locked print jobs.

FlexRelease Server can scale from a single device to thousands of MFPs and
printers across an enterprise, making it well-suited for small businesses with
an eye on expansion. FlexRelease Server supports Windows 2008 Server, Windows
2003 R2 Standard/Enterprise server and Windows 2000/XP/Vista
operating systems.
"The addition of FlexRelease Server to Enhanced Locked Print NX takes an
already cost-effective document security solution and makes it even stronger,"
said Ricoh Americas' executive vice president of marketing for document
services and solutions division, Hede Nonaka. "Giving users the flexibility to
walk up and print from any Enhanced Locked Print NX-enabled MFP or printer
increases workflow and productivity, while allowing network administrators to
create a secure printing environment for their organizations."
ELP-NX v1.3 is offered as a stand-alone
product, as well as an option for Ricoh's Card Authentication Package (CAP).
CAP simplifies the user experience by
eliminating the need to enter a user ID and password on the MFP. CAP
supports the use of proximity card readers that can be used for authentication
by passing a proximity card near a card reader attached to the MFP or printer.

With FlexRelease Server for ELP-NX, the
user authorization process can be automated using a proximity card with CAP.
Utilizing a card reader installed on each machine, a user swipes their
proximity card to authenticate his or her identity, allowing the MFP or printer
to release their individual locked print job. Ricoh said this cuts down on the
time required to manually input user log-in information while protecting
sensitive documents from unauthorized viewers.

Nathan Eddy is Associate Editor, Midmarket, at eWEEK.com. Before joining eWEEK.com, Nate was a writer with ChannelWeb and he served as an editor at FierceMarkets. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.